Selected student entrepreneurs from a variety of faculties, who had completed the UQ Idea Hub intensive innovation and entrepreneurship training course, worked alongside startup founders, CEOs and innovation gurus learning first-hand the process of founding, investing and growing an early-stage business in the gargantuan Chinese economy.
Not only were students immersed in the Chinese culture within one of the world’s largest technology development hubs, Caohejing Hi-tech Park, they also attended development and networking events and rubbed shoulders with Australian dignitaries visiting Shanghai. Information technology and business management student Josh Bitossi said the China Mobility Program was “an unreal experience”.
“I learnt more in this month of intensive learning and working than I normally would in six months because UQ put so much effort into making sure the people we were meeting and the activities we were doing were constantly boosting our learning.”
UQ Idea Hub Director Nimrod Klayman was impressed by the energy and commitment shown by the students, who were supported in the program through a full scholarship.
“We’re equipping these students with the technical skills they need to make real change in the world, and in return we are consistently blown away by the creativity and diversity of business ideas they develop, and their positive, go-get-em attitudes,” Mr Klayman said.
The China Mobility Program will run again in June and July 2017.
The UQ Idea Hub will continue to run sessions throughout 2017, welcoming undergraduate and postgraduate students, UQ staff and alumni.
The Winter Session will commence Tuesday 1 August and the Spring Session will commence Wednesday 13 September. Alumni with startup experience are encouraged to get involved to help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
